Page 51 - VOL-2

Sefer Chafetz Chayim
Hilchot Esurei Lashon Hara

Kelal Heh

Hilchot Esurei Lashon Hara

Kelal Heh (K5 – 5th chapter)

The esur of Lashon Hara in the context of
interpersonal relationships, i.e., the concept of
speaking Lashon Hara where the purpose of the
comment is to portray the victim as someone with a
deficient character and other laws of Lashon Hara
that are dependent upon the “victim,” and the esur
of Lashon Hara in relationship to another person’s
property assets or wealth. There are 8 halachot in

this Kelal.

Mekor Hachayim Be'er Mayim Chayim on page 247

K5/1. Just as it is forbidden to humiliate another Jew in the context

of his relationship with G‑d, so too it is forbidden to humiliate a
fellow Jew in the context of his interpersonal relationships with his
fellow Jews even if the remarks (are true and) contain no aspect
of a lie (1). I won’t mince words regarding this topic because the
subject (is complex and) has many derivatives and consequences
and often the appropriate application of the law will vary depending
on the circumstances as I will explain at length, with G‑d’s help, in
the 10th Kelal. For now I will explain one detail that relates to this
esur about which there is no uncertainty that it is forbidden.

In a circumstance where one sees a Jew asking for a loan from
another Jew or sees a Jew asking a favor from another Jew and the
request is denied or one sees a Jew transgress an interpersonal Lav,

39
volume 2